Dr. Raufa Hassan Al-Sharqi

Visiting Fulbright Scholar Delivers Lecture

Posted on February 5, 2009 - Permalink
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On Feb. 2, members of the Ousamequin Woman's Club invited Dr. Raufa Hassan Al-Sharqi for a presentation on the lives of women in Yemen. Held at the Bridgewater Senior Center, more than 30 local seniors engaged in the conversation about the rising power of woman in the region.

Dr. Al-Sharki is a Fulbright Scholar from Sana'a, Yemen, visiting BSC through March. She is a noted human rights activist and has devoted her life to this work, and specifically women's rights in Yemen and the Middle East.

Dr. Al-Sharki addressed the role of women in today's society, explained women's wardrobe, and the cultural and religious differences between men and women in Yemen. She took many questions from the curious audience about gender differences and recent history.
Her current project, the development of a new museum, Contemporary Yemen, examines the changing roles of women from 1946 to the present. The museum will be a collection of media and film.

Dr. Al-Sharki currently is the chairperson and founder of the Cultural Development Programs Foundation, which is a non-government, non-profit organization. She is also a professor of gender, social change, and development communications in mass media at Sana'a University.

"Dr. Al-Sharki's lifetime commitment and dedication to women's rights in Yemen certainly has had a global impact," said Lorraine Carrozza, director of the Bridgewater Senior Center. "The Ousamequin Women's Club members were inspired by her accomplishments and devotion despite the adversities she has faced in advocating for human rights."

Susan McCombe, director of the Office of College and Community Partnerships at BSC, helped organize the visit, and said: "It's extremely rewarding to know that Dr. Al-Sharqi could share her experience about women's issues with the Ousamequin Women's Club. Part of the mission of the college is to be a resource to the region. It's always good to know that we continue to fulfill that mission."

The presentation was recorded on Bridgewater Cable Access and should be aired over the next few weeks. (Story and photos by Nick Pirelli, Office of College and Community Partnerships)